Use of proton pump inhibitors after laparoscopic gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy: a nationwide register-based cohort study

Background/Objectives: L-RYGB and L-SG are the dominant bariatric procedures worldwide. While L-RYGB is an effective treatment of coexisting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), L-SG is associated with an increased risk of de-novo or worsening of GERD. The study aimed to evaluate the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) following laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (L-RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (L-SG). Subjects/Methods: This nationwide register-based study included all patients undergoing L-RYGB or L-SG in Denmark between 2008 and 2018. In total, 17,740 patients were included in the study, with 16,096 and 1671 undergoing L-RYGB and L-SG, respectively. The median follow up was 11 years after L-RYGB and 4 years after L-SG. Data were collected through Danish nationwide health registries. The development in PPI use was assessed through postoperative redeemed prescriptions. GERD development was defined by a relevant diagnosis code associated with gastroscopy, 24 h pH measurement, revisional surgery or anti-reflux surgery. The risk of initiation of PPI treatment or GERD diagnosis was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier plots and COX regression models. The risk of continuous PPI treatment was examined using logistic regression modeling. Results: The risk of initiating PPI treatment was significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB (HR 7.06, 95% CI 6.42–7.77, p < 0.0001). The risk of continuous PPI treatment was likewise significantly higher after L-SG (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.36–1.54, p < 0.0001). The utilization of PPI consistently increased after both procedures. The risk of GERD diagnosis was also significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.27–2.93, p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The risk of initiating and continuing PPI treatment was significantly higher after L-SG compared with L-RYGB, and a continuous increase in the utilization of PPI was observed after both procedures.